As a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT-T), I work with individuals (ages 13+), couples, and families to navigate life’s complexities and challenges. My passion lies in helping family systems break free from patterns that feel limiting or stuck, fostering healthier and more meaningful connections. I strive to empower you to find your voice, rebuild trust, and experience relief from pain, all within a compassionate and non-judgmental space.

Grounded in a trauma-informed approach, I provide support through life’s difficult moments, guiding you toward improved communication and sustainable, positive change. Whether you’re addressing unresolved trauma, navigating life transitions, or learning healthier coping strategies, my goal is to meet you where you are and tailor our work to your unique needs.

I specialize in helping families and couples heal relationally, develop healthier dynamics, and navigate conflict with understanding and compassion. Together, we’ll explore solutions that feel right for you, creating a foundation for lasting growth and transformation.

It’s my honor to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing and fulfillment. If you’re ready to take the next step toward a healthier, more connected life, I’m here to support you every step of the way.

As a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT-T), I work with individuals (ages 13+), couples, and fami... Read More

Clients come to me struggling and suffering and not always understanding why. These struggles can show up in many ways: difficulty connecting with others, loneliness, anxiety, low-self worth, people-pleasing, social anxiety, withdrawal, headaches, sleeplessness, stomach pain, addictions, nightmares, racing thoughts, anger, irritability…and so much more.

What many people don’t realize is that the past lives in us both emotionally and physically.

I often hear:

I should be over this already. It was so long ago.

I’ve already talked about this so why does it still bother me?

I don’t know why I’m so unhappy. I have a good life.

Just as the impact of a car accident can cause our muscles to lock up, the impact of an emotional event can cause the brain and body to lock up. We get stuck in fight-or-flight and that reaction gets triggered over and over again by every day events.

Many of my clients have spent years in therapy, but find that simply talking about their experiences is not enough to heal what’s happening on a nervous system level.

That’s why I integrate EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) into my talk therapy. Through EMDR, we’re able to change the neurological response to the past, and release the emotional hold it has on you.

Clients come to me struggling and suffering and not always understanding why. These struggles can... Read More

Life can be tough, but so are you! It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck when so many challenges come our way. We’re not meant to face everything on our own, and I’d be honored to walk alongside you and help lighten the load. My passion is to help you reflect on where you’ve been and guide you in creating the path you want to take moving forward.

I believe therapy should be a supportive and collaborative process, tailored to your unique needs. My approach is rooted in Emotion-Focused Therapy, Attachment-Based Therapy, and the Gottman Method to help individuals, couples, and families build stronger relationships, improve communication, and navigate life’s transitions with greater clarity and confidence. Whether you’re working through past trauma, relationship challenges, or personal struggles, we’ll move forward in a way that works best for you.

I have experience working with a variety of concerns, including ADHD, adoption, anxiety, communication challenges, caregiving stress, depression, divorce, family conflict, blended families, grief, infidelity, life transitions, peer relationships, school issues, self-esteem, spirituality/faith, stress, and trauma/PTSD.

Starting therapy can feel daunting, but rest assured, you don’t have to do it alone! Whether your goals are already clear or still unfolding, I’d love the opportunity to support you on your journey. I look forward to meeting you and hearing your story.

Life can be tough, but so are you! It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck when so many ... Read More

Alyssa Vaughn is a counseling intern at Thrive Counseling and Wellness and is currently completing her Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling at Bellevue University, with graduation anticipated in the summer of 2025.

Alyssa brings both professional training and lived experience to her work with clients. In 2019, she and her daughter relocated to Kansas City to be closer to family after her daughter’s courageous two-year battle with childhood cancer. That chapter of her life shaped Alyssa’s deep empathy for those navigating uncertainty, stress, and life-altering transitions—and strengthened her belief in the healing power of being truly seen and supported.

Alyssa works with teens, adults, and couples who are experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and emotional overwhelm. She is passionate about creating a space where clients can slow down, reconnect with themselves, and move toward healing at their own pace. Her approach is warm, grounded, and collaborative, and she meets each client with compassion and curiosity.

She is especially drawn to supporting individuals who feel stuck in old patterns or weighed down by past experiences that continue to shape their present. Whether someone is navigating a specific life challenge or struggling to name what feels off, Alyssa brings presence and attunement to the work of healing.

Outside of the therapy room, Alyssa enjoys time at the lake with her family, boating, swimming, and soaking in moments of rest and joy with her daughter and their Yorkie, Luna.

Working with a graduate intern is a great way to access quality therapy at a lower cost. Our interns are advanced counseling students who bring fresh perspective and deep care, and they receive close supervision from our licensed clinical team. You’ll benefit from the attentiveness of a dedicated emerging therapist, with the support and oversight of experienced professionals. You’re in good hands.

Alyssa Vaughn is a counseling intern at Thrive Counseling and Wellness and is currently completin... Read More